CITAD: 27.91 Million Nigerians Lack Internet, Calls for Local Connectivity Solutions
The Centre for Information Technology and Development (CITAD) has urged the government to establish a regulatory framework that supports community-led network initiatives across the country.
Speaking at a media briefing in Kano, the Coordinator of the School of Community Network at CITAD, Haruna Adamu Hadejia, emphasized the importance of community-led connectivity initiatives in providing internet access to underserved areas.
He explained that these initiatives enable communities to take control of their internet infrastructure by offering solutions tailored to their specific needs.
Hadejia referenced findings from a 2022 study by Nigeria’s Universal Service Provision Fund (USPF), which reported a decline in the number of underserved communities from 114 to 97 clusters, affecting an estimated 27.91 million people.
“In this digital age, leaving nearly 28 million Nigerians without internet access is unacceptable,” Hadejia stated.
He noted that the lack of internet access continues to marginalize communities, particularly students, youth, and women’s groups, who rely on connectivity for education, business, and social engagement.
“In areas without internet, parents are often forced to send their children far from home just to access the internet for registration, Computer-Based Tests (CBT), or checking exam results. These communities are classified as either underserved or completely unserved,” he added.
To address this challenge, CITAD called on the Minister of Digital Economy to formally recognize community networks as a layer of internet service providers in Nigeria.
Hadejia also urged the Universal Service Provision Fund (USPF) to provide grants and financial support to communities willing to develop local connectivity solutions. Additionally, he called on Mobile Network Operators (MNOs) to collaborate with community networks instead of viewing them as competition, stating that partnerships could help expand internet access to neglected areas.
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